Thursday, 31 December 2009

Chuck, of Chuck's Used Cards, and I have sent trade packages back and forth a number of times now. He has collecting itch that I am able to scratch- soccer. The two major card releases in the UK are Topps Match Attax and Panini Champions League, there are a number of sticker variations on the football theme but Topps and Panini have the card market securely tied up with these two sets. Chuck is a fan of both the English Premier League and European teams, so these two releases fit nicely into his collecting remit. A padded envelope containing each made its way to Florida.Chuck sent this selection of Red Sox in return:

Wednesday, 23 December 2009

Since getting back into collecting I decided to collect just one complete set every year. My choice is determined by four factors;1. Availability. There is no point in choosing a set that is too difficult to obtain in the UK. The postage costs from the US are alright for a few cards and trades but complete boxes are just ridiculous.2. Aesthetics. I choose sets that may not be everyone's cup of tea but they look good to me.3. Price. (See point 1.) There is no point in trying to obtain the base set of Sweet Spot or Topps Finest. There is a small matter of food, utility bills, children and a wife to consider. And finally,4. The Chase. There has to an effort to collect, which may involve trading or searching e-bay or picking up the odd pack.I re-entered collecting in 2006 so the sets I have chosen so far are;

Monday, 21 December 2009

Here is one final look at the complete set of 1980 Topps before I move onto pastures new. I was given my original 84 cards in 1980 by a school 'friend' they consisted of 19 Red Sox, 21 White Sox,15 Tigers and 1 card from the other teams in the MLB. Although I made a serious decision to complete the set in September 2008. The decision to collect baseball cards, and ultimately the 1980 Topps set, started in October 1980 almost 30 years ago. Here's to patience. Enjoy.

The opening page with cards numbered 1 to 9.

The final page with cards numbered 721 to 726 and the backs of 712 to 720.

Saturday, 19 December 2009

I set out in September 2008 to collect all 726 cards of the 1980's Topps set. They were the first baseball cards that I ever received way back in 1980 and it started a modest obsession with baseball card collecting.

Thanks to many people and to Brian who sent the last three cards I needed. I had intended to look at each card indivdually but another collector beat me to the punch, so it is back to the drawing board to think of another pursuit.

Thursday, 26 November 2009

There are very few baseball fans here in the UK. There was a small rally of fans while a particular television station broadcast live games, although they were shown very early in the morning.

The free to view station called Five screened MLB on Sunday and Wednesday which usually starting at 1 a.m. British Time. It was recently presented by Johnny Gould, a bog standard UK TV presenter and Josh Chetwynd, a retired Great Britain baseball player. The show started on the channel's opening night in 1997, until it became economically unsustainable to show games and it was cancelled for the 2009 season. Incidentally it is the first time since 1997 that the World Series wasn't shown live in the UK. As for 2010, no decision has been made by Five as to whether they will show any MLB games.

I wasn't aware that during the 1930's there was a thriving baseball league through-out the UK and it was only the outbreak of World War Two that ended its rising popularity. There is some speculation that baseball would be as popular as football is now.

Which leads me into the trade I completed recently with Drew from Drew's Cards. I joined the large trading ranks that Drew has developed.Drew sent these Red Sox cards over 'The Pond';

A massive thank you to Drew for this awesome selection of cards. Although there was a great mixture of cards, Drew sent a card from the 2008 UD Documentary set. A set that has thus far alluded me, which would appear odd as there was so many of them.

Saturday, 21 November 2009

I took my two daughters to the Roman Museumin Canterbury today. They are studying the Romans at school, so I was being a good father and giving them some hands on experience. There is a whole section of 'hands on' being an archaeologist and handling Roman objects. Every time someone digs in Canterbury they discover artifacts related to the Romans and the Iron Age. Most of this museum is underground and the centrepiece is the intact remains of the hypocaust room and patterned mosaic floor. They loved it. When you leave the museum, to your right is Canterbury Cathedral looming above you.While we were walking the quiet corridors I met Doug. I usually keep pretty much to myself but my wife says whenever I hear an American or Canadian accent I am like a bee to honey. I introduced myself with the usual politeness of 'Where are you from?' This is always a good opener for me as I can then say 'So are you a Phillies/Yankees/Braves/insert team here fan?' Doug is from Austin, Texas, or close enough to, he said. However he is the first person from the Americas that I have met that had no interest in any sport. He finally seceded that he should be a Rangers fan. We chatted a little while about sports, Barrack Obama, why he was travelling; the usual sort of stuff you discuss with strangers.So it is fitting that I share this large brick of Red Sox cards sent from Dallas in Texas from Brian at Play at the Plate. He is a Texas Rangers fan and immensely proud of the fact. Brian sent along roughly 70 Red Sox cards from a variety of years. The pick for me was these Dick Perez cards inserted in 2008 Topps Chrome. I had yet to add the Jacoby to my collection.

Another highlight was these three numbered cards.

2001 Fleer Focus #235 Paxton Crawford 0933/4999

2002 Donruss Elite #151 Jorge De La Rosa 0254/1500

2002 Fleer Diamond Standouts #10/10 Nomar Garciaparra 0623/1200

And finally, 13 2009 Topps Chrome cards. This not only took a large bite out of the wants list but, oh how I love shiny...

Thank you Brain. The pile of Rangers grows gradually and I will send it when it is worthy of the selection you have sent me.

Sunday, 15 November 2009

Recently when I posted about the huge UK phenomenon that is Match Attax Football, I was contacted by a reader in the US of A who asked if I wouldn't mind sending her son some cards. He is a big Evertonian and Premiership Football fan. They would be happy to send some baseball back my way. I have no absolutely no problem with this, in fact this is the sort of trade I was trying to encourage. I sent a Match Attax magazine, some other football magazines that had promotion packs attached and a number of Match Attax packs. The Alley family were more than generous in their return package, five packs of baseball cards, and a Sweet Spot tin filled with roughly 50 Red Sox cards, including the Papelbon Jersey card. I will crack the packs in Pursuit of Red Soxbut here is a selection of the cards they sent my way;

A huge thanks to the Alley family as they went all out to send some great Red Sox stuff. I have collected a few more Everton items (and Match Attax cards) for their son and they are keeping an eye out for Jacoby Ellsbury cards at their local card shop. Sounds like another trade in the making.

Saturday, 14 November 2009

Many of us have returned to card collecting after a break. For me it was getting married and having children. Less time, less disposable income and just being plain knackered. Now my children are at an age where collecting can be a shared experience, there is a little left over at the end of the month and well frankly sleep is overrated.So it was great to find the blog Hey That's Mine. Derek returned to card collecting after a 25 year break and made up for lost time by arranging many trades. Like Derek I started blogging not just to keep a record of my collecting but to meet fellow collectors and arrange a few trades. A quick e-mail and a positive response set the wheels in motion.I sent Hey That's Mine these and now for me to share the return.Derek sent these Red Sox from Grand Prairie Texas but the package was postmarked Dallas, which is so cool;2001 Donruss #23 Manny Ramirez2001 Upper Deck #34 Carlton Fisk2002 Donruss #9 Manny Ramirez2002 Donruss #12 Nomar Garciaparra2002 Fleer Tradition #312 Jason Varitek2003 Fleer Hot Prospects #28 Manny Ramirez2004 Donruss World Series #24 Curt Schilling2004 Donruss World Series #25 Dwight Evans2004 Donruss World Series #27 Jason Varitek2004 Donruss World Series #28 Jim Rice2004 Donruss World Series #29 Johnny Damon2004 Donruss World Series #31 Manny Ramirez2004 Donruss World Series #33 Pedro Martinez2004 Topps Bazooka #154 Johnny Damon2005 Leaf #30 Curt Schilling2005 Leaf #32 Doug Mientkiewicz2005 Leaf #34 Johnny Damon2005 Leaf #35 Manny Ramirez2005 Leaf #36 Pedro Martinez2005 Leaf #37 Trot Nixon2005 Leaf #64 Victor Martinez2009 Upper Deck X #10 Jonathan Papelbon2009 Upper Deck X #11 Jacoby Ellsbury2009 Upper Deck X #13 David Ortiz2009 Upper Deck X #14 Daisuke Matsuzaka2009 Upper Deck X #X-KY Kevin Youkilis

Monday, 2 November 2009

Brian from Waxaholicand I have traded cards across the pond for a good 12 months now. The package that arrived from Brian the other day contained cards that recognised that I have more than one pursuit.

This was my first and a long term pursuits, but thanks to Brian and a host of other generous collectors might be coming to an end very soon. There are now only 3 cards I need to collect the whole 726 set. In an era that was devoid of short printed, different coloured parallels and mini refractor relics, it has been a quest that was attainable.Many thanks to Brian for this much appreciated package.

Sunday, 1 November 2009

I need some assistance with this set of cards, there is very little in way of explanation on the interwebs. When I first collected baseball cards in the early 80's, rather than just admire them I invented a game using a spinner. I kept detailed records of the statistics and players averages. I'm sure I am not alone. There must be many variations on the theme.I bought The EXCITING and SENSATIONAL Game of 'BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL' on ebay out of curiosity. The copyright is 1949. The seller stating in the advert, that he thought this was probably a reprinted version as it was in such excellent condition.

A search of 'Big League Baseball', 'State College Game Laboratory' and 'Robert L. Arble' directed me to similar items on e-bay, an empty Wiki entry and a query as to whether I wanted Robert Marble instead. So I am none the wiser.

The seller was correct it is in excellent condition, untouched hence un-played, which is a travesty. The contents of the box includes 36 playing cards, which are the same size as regular playing cards, two score sheets and a rules leaflet. Simple and easy to play. Its compact size makes it convenient to carry for amusement at any time.The opening paragraph of the rules leaflet goes like this.

'The game is played according to the rules which exist for the major league baseball games. Any one who is not familiar with baseball rules can obtain a baseball handbook from any sporting goods store.'

Then follows an explanation of some of the cards that are turned up. A very clear description of a double play is given.

'Batter and runner on first base are out. If first base is unoccupied, batter and runner on second base are out. If first and second base are unoccupied, batter and runner on third are out. If bases are unoccupied batter is out. If there are no outs, runners not involved in double play advance one base.'

This is a small selection of some of the playing cards. Wild pitch looks interesting and is the home run card modelled on the Babe and single on Ted Williams? The simplicity of this particular games puts the recent Topps Attax game in the shade.

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Some cards we like instantly, others we push to side and think 'What the...?' The above card, an insert in the 2003 Topps set, was one of those cards that I instantly liked and it wasn't shiny. I have been able to gather a few these Red and Blue Backs fashioned after the 1951 Topps set but this one of Pedro I didn't have. Justin from Is this a Wasteland.. included it in a package I received amidst postage turmoil here in the UK. Justin also enclosed another guilty pleasure, unopened packs. 5 2007 Fleer Ultra packs, which I will bust in my search for Red Sox.Also included in the package from Largo Florida were:

Saturday, 24 October 2009

The postal workers of the United Kingdom were 'on strike' for two days this week, so I was surprised to receive not one, but two packages from the US. These arrived like book-ends on either side of the strike while very little else did. Amazingly however credit card applications and bills managed to be delivered as well. These along with coackroaches, it is rumoured, will survive a nuclear attack.

Another interesting fact that has emerged during all this -is that it takes between three and four weeks to clear two days of back logged post.

Firstly the package from Ed at Roll Out the Barrel and what a beauty it was. A game used bat, two Jacobys and my first taste of Goodwins Champions. The Goodwins have received mixed reviews around the blogs. Comments such as: dubious quality, multiplication in packs, Evil Lincoln, Topps did it better in A+G and so on. I liked them and the Jacoby mini is superb although a little spooky...

Saturday, 17 October 2009

There are a few readers out there who have, in the past, shown an interest in these cards, mainly for the American born players and a few who support a particular English club.

For the third year running Topps have released the 'Match Attax Trading Card Game' series of collectible cards. For the past two years Topps has seen unprecedented popularity for this set, mainly in the UK. This year, however, they have decided to go global. Whether that means these cards will be available in the US or Canada I am not sure but they are advertising swap and play events in Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and Australia.

The presentation of the cards has changed very little;

There are 444 cards to collect, 425 last year,There are 6 cards per packet,The predominate colour for this years set is orange, rather than the blue Topps has used for the last two years,Inserts include Man of the Match and 100 Club 'rainbow' foils,New Inserts included this year are manager cards and i-cards (similar to the Topps Attax baseball) with redemption codes,There are 100 Theo Walcott (Arsenal) and 1000 Shey Given (Manchester City) autographs inserted into LUCKY packs,There are 7 Limited Edition cards available in starter packs, collectors tins, collectors guides and available in some football related magazines for a short time. Interestingly two stores are also giving away limited edition cards (while stocks last, naturally).

Currently eleven American born players are plying their trade in the English Premiership:

(Players in bold have cards in the Match Attax set)

Jozy Altidore Hull City,

Clint Dempsey Fulham,

Brad Friedel Aston Villa,

Brad Guzan Aston Villa,

Marcus Hahnemann Wolves,

Tim Howard Everton,

Eddie Johnson Fulham,

Eric Lichaj Aston Villa,

Boaz Myhill Hull City,

Jonathan Spector West Ham and

Brede Hangeland Fulham.

(although born in Texas he has played for Norway about 50 times)

and 2 players from Canada:

David Edgar Burnley,

David Huilett Blackburn Rovers.

I busted 6 packs for your pleasure.

Pack 1:

Stephen Carr Birmingham City

David James Portsmouth

Mario Melchiot Wigan Athletic

Emmanuel Eboue Arsenal

James McFadden Birmingham City

Martin Paterson Burnley i-card

Pack 2:

Steven Caldwell Burnley

Joey Gudjonsson Burnley

Luke Young Aston Villa

Joel Ward Portsmouth

Phil Jagielka Everton

El-Hadji Diouf Blackburn Rovers i-card

Pack 3:

Kevin Davies Bolton Wanderers

Cameron Jerome Birmingham City

Daryl Murphy Sunderland

Jermaine Jenas Tottenham Hotspur

Paul Robinson Bolton Wanderers

Robert Green West Ham United i-card

Pack 4:

Jonathan Spector West Ham

Karl Henry Wolverhampton Wanderers

Ryan Giggs Manchester United

Emile Heskey Aston Villa

Jose Bosingwa Chelsea

Theo Walcott Arsenal MOM

Pack 5:

Ryan Babel Liverpool

Kevin Kilbane Hull City

Andy Wilkinson Stoke City

Christophe Berra Wolvehampton Wanderers

Danny Collins Stoke City

Andrey Arshavin Arsenal MOM

Pack 6:

Joleon Lescott Manchester City

Chris Iwelumo Wolverhampton Wanderers

Paul Hart Portsmouth manager

Mark Hughes Manchester City manager

Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United manager

Carlos Tevez Manchester City i-card

If you have come this far, you are either a football fan or have an insatiable curiosity.Drop me a message if you would like some of these packs and they will happily find their way to you. I will also throw in the Collectors Guide.

Saturday, 10 October 2009

It is vary rare that this happens, so when this particular item, a whole box of cards-24 packs! of 2004 Topps Bazooka, appeared on e-bayUK I was fairly determined to acquire it.

And acquire it I did.

Odd thing though was that it didn't rise higher than my initial bid. Considering the rarity of such an item I presumed that it would go higher.Each 2004 Topps Bazooka Baseball sealed box contains 24 packs (each pack including one sugarless slice of bubble gum) of 8 cards each in a 330 card base set. The base set is 300 cards with 30 cards being printed in 2 variations. Each box will contain THREE Memorabilia cards. Parallel sets: Minis 1:1 and Red Chunks 1:1. Inserts: Tattoos 1:4 - 4-on-1 Stickers 1:4 - Comics 1:4 - Stand-Ups 1:8 - and Relics Memorabilia cards 1:8 (Blasts > Game Used Bats #'d to 25; Adventures, Game Worn Jerseys #'d to 25; and One Liners Retired Game Worn Jerseys - #'d to 25).

This appeared to be an underrated set. The target demographics being children.

I have opened all the packs in 4 stages. I hesitated at opening them all in one go. Trying desperately to 'eek' this out for as long as I could stand.

From the 24 packs I pulled:

118 base cards, 3 doubles (39% of the set), although this caused some initial confusion as some of the cards are printed with two different images on the front. There were 3 cards with both variations in this box.

24 Mini parallels

22 Red Chunk parallels

and the following inserts:

7 Comic cards (1 double)

5 4in 1 stickers

5 Tattoos

5 Stand-ups (1 double)

and finally 2 Game -used Relic cards, although the box specifically states that there would be 3 in every box. Is 5 years too late to complain to Topps?

Bazooka One-liners #BOL-WS Willie Stargell

Bazooka Adventures #BA-AR2 Alex Rodriguez

My initial reaction is one of excitement as it is a novelty to actually open a full box of baseball cards. Overall as a collector I am pleased with the selection. Inserting only 5 base cards out of 8 may not be the ideal way for set collectors, however it adds to the uniqueness of the product.

pur.suit

–noun1. the act of pursuing: in pursuit of card 197.2. an effort to secure or attain; quest: the pursuit of a team set.3. any occupation, pastime, or the like, in which a person is engaged regularly or customarily: baseball card collecting pursuits.